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TOMORROW AT THE HISTORY CENTER!
OETA’s Back In Time: “Belle Starr, Bandit Queen” premiere screening and panel discussion
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On Thursday, July 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., join OETA for a special premiere screening of the newest episode of Back in Time—OETA’s award-winning documentary series exploring the people, places, and events that shaped Oklahoma history. This episode explores the life of “Belle Starr, the Bandit Queen.” The premiere and panel discussion will take place at the Oklahoma History Center.
Belle Starr, known as the “Bandit Queen,” was a Missouri-born outlaw living in Indian Territory’s Cherokee Nation. Her mysterious unsolved murder fuels Oklahoma history, Wild West legends, and true crime intrigue.
This event is a unique opportunity to experience the film before its broadcast premiere and engage in meaningful conversation about the history that shaped our state.
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The Battle of Honey Springs Memorial |
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Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 18, at 10:30 a.m., to honor the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service commemorates the largest of approximately 107 documented Civil War military engagements that took place throughout Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma.
Tom Wing from the Drennen-Scott Historic Site will serve as the keynote speaker, addressing the connections between Arkansas and Indian Territory during the Civil War and their influence on the Battle of Honey Springs. OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and Honey Springs Battlefield Site Director Molly Hutchins will also offer remarks. For more information regarding the memorial service and Honey Springs Battlefield, call 918-617-7125. You can also email honeysprings@history.ok.gov.
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Summer Sounds Concert Series with Kyle Dillingham |
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On Thursday, July 16, Kyle Dillingham of Oklahoma City will entertain the crowd with his violin as a part of the Summer Sounds concert series held at The Chisholm in Kingfisher. Dillingham has taken his music to 42 countries, earning him the title of “Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador.” The family-friendly event is free! For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176.
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“Photos, Documents, Even Textiles” preservation workshop |
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Attend a personal artifact care workshop at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library on Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Curator Erin Brown will offer expert guidance on preserving antique quilts, clothing, books, and photographs. Participants will learn professional tools and practical techniques for caring for family heirlooms. Most required supplies are readily available.
The workshop is limited to 20 participants, with a fee of $40 per person. To register, please get in touch with the museum. Early registration is recommended. Secure your tickets today!
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Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony |
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On Saturday, July 11, at 7 p.m., Tulsa-based cabaret star Janet Rutland and author-broadcaster John Wooley return to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum with a repeat performance of the production: “Around the Hollywood Campfire.” This musical revue explores the rich legacy of Western film and television music, with selections ranging from Gene Autry and The Sons of the Pioneers to sophisticated favorites by Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer. The setlist is full of surprises—including a beautiful top 20 hit by the New Christy Minstrels—and pays tribute to the unforgettable soundtracks of television Westerns from the 1950s through the 1970s.
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Summer activities at the Oklahoma History Center |
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Looking for the perfect summer activities for your family? In July, visit the Oklahoma History Center to experience Smithsonian-quality exhibits that bring to life the voices and visions of Oklahoma with hands-on exploration and learning.
This summer, set your own pace through the Oklahoma History Center galleries and enjoy make-and-take crafts, scavenger hunts, and/or other activities in a museum setting. All summer activities will be included with regular admission.
Did you know?
The Oklahoma History Center offers a variety of unique programs to share our state’s past with visitors and school groups across the state. Check out more Learning and Engagement educational resources available online!
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Allie Pierce Reynolds (1917–1994), a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and a native of Bethany, was a prominent pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees from 1942 to 1954.
Despite being a preacher’s son—forbidden to play sports on Sundays—Reynolds became a standout athlete, excelling in football, softball, and track and field. His journey to baseball greatness began in 1937, when Henry Iba noticed him launching a javelin and recruited him for the Oklahoma A&M team (today known as Oklahoma State University), opening the door to his professional career.
Following his early athletic accomplishments, Reynolds pitched in 15 World Series games and became the first American League pitcher to record two no-hitters in a single season. On July 12, 1951, he achieved a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. Later that year, on September 28, he pitched his second no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, securing an 8–0 victory with the pennant at stake.
Reynolds later pursued a business career and actively promoted Native cultures through community programs and initiatives, including Red Earth, Inc.
Read more about the life of Allie Pierce Reynolds in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
Allie Reynolds, with a Yankees jacket, congratulated by teammate Collins after his second no-hitter in 1951 (2012.201.B1085.0294, OPUBCO, OHS), and his signed baseball (2024.143.094, OHS Collections).
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Follow the OHS website calendar to learn about our events and programs at OHS museums and historic sites across the state! Our calendar constantly changes with the latest programs and activities, from seasonal events to celebrations, exhibits, films, educational classes, and workshops. |
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Connect with the Oklahoma Historical Society on social media—where you can learn more about Oklahoma history and get up-to-date information about events and exhibits across the state!
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The Parking Meter is an Oklahoma invention
In the 1930s, downtown workers in cities such as Oklahoma City occupied most parking spaces, forcing retail customers to park farther from stores. To address this issue, Carl Magee, in collaboration with engineers at Oklahoma State University, invented the first parking meter, installed in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935. This coin-operated device prevented individuals from monopolizing spaces, improved parking availability, and generated city revenue at a rate of five cents per hour, with fines issued when time expired.
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Masthead image: Officer W. L. Williams playfully issues a ticket to an unnamed horse, caught lingering too long at an expired meter during Oklahoma City’s Frontier Fun Days in 1958. This two-day back-to-school sales event, held on August 12 and 13, invited families downtown to experience the ‘Wild West’ while they shopped. With Main Street between Robinson and Hudson closed to cars, the two-block area staged roping and riding shows, stagecoach adventures, a burro mine train, and a host of other attractions (2012.201.B1412.0209, Oklahoma Publishing Company Collection, OHS). |
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